Forgetting a single formality before departure can turn your trip into a true nightmare!
We therefore provide you with a checklist of essential documents to bring, to ensure nothing is overlooked!
YOUR IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS
It is your responsibility to verify their validity dates and renew them if necessary (taking into account potentially lengthy processing times).
Please note: some countries require a passport to be valid for several months beyond your intended return date.
Passport
– Ensure your passport is valid for 3 to 6 months beyond your anticipated return date.
– If you need to obtain a biometric passport, please be aware of the processing time (minimum 4 weeks).
– You may apply at any town hall; some may have shorter waiting periods.
– For passport application procedures, please visit the public service website.
Identity Card
Since January 2014, the French national identity card has been valid for 15 years, an increase from the previous 10-year validity. Cards issued from this date onwards benefit from a 5-year extension to their validity period.
However, some countries do not recognize this new provision. Therefore, we strongly recommend traveling with a valid passport to facilitate entry and stay formalities in your destination country.
For further information, we invite you to consult the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development.
Below is a list of countries that do not accept national identity cards that appear expired but whose validity has been extended by 5 years, as a travel document:
– European Union countries: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, United Kingdom, Slovakia, Sweden.
– Schengen Area: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway.
– Others: Vatican; Albania, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Egypt; Morocco (only for dual nationals or individuals participating in group tours organized by a tourism professional).
YOUR PAYMENT METHODS
– International payment card (VISA, Mastercard…).
– Your banker’s email and phone contact information (just in case).
FOR YOUR HEALTH
– Prescriptions for any medications you carry, which can be useful if medication is lost or forgotten.
– The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for Europe, to be requested from your Social Security provider.
– Your blood type card.
– Your vaccination card (depending on destination).
– Your health record if necessary.
– Repatriation assistance insurance policy.
PHOTOCOPY YOUR IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS AND EMAIL THEM TO YOURSELF
– Keep photocopies of your identification documents in your luggage.
– Photocopy all essential documents (passport, credit card, airline tickets, driver’s license, medical prescriptions, vaccination records, medical certificates, etc.).
– Also keep scanned copies online. Provide a copy of all documents to a family member or friend.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
– Prepare a list of all emergency telephone numbers: (consulate, credit card and bank card cancellation services, traveler’s cheques, insurance, airline).
YOUR EQUIPMENT LIST
– Create a list of all your valuables (camera, computer, etc.) for insurance purposes.
FOR ORIENTATION AND OBSERVATION
– Maps or City Plans.
– Travel guides.
– Useful local numbers (hotel, guide, travel agency, tour leader).
FOR CONNECTIVITY
– International travel adapter.
TO SECURE YOUR LUGGAGE
– Combination lock.
FOR MAKING ACQUAINTANCES AND EXPRESSING THANKS
– Universal phrasebook (communicate with pictures).
– Conversation guides in local languages.
FOR SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES
– Medical fitness certificate.
– Sports license.